Man charged in attack on boy

Thursday

Oct 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM

By Don Reiddwreid@aol.comCOLDWATER — Michael Jackson-Redenius — a 20-year-old Allen man with the mental capacity of a child — faces charges of kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct and assault after an attack in the shower room at the Heritage Park Pool on Sept. 1.According to the probable cause affidavit Jackson-Redenius was at the pool with his female caregiver when he went into the shower area, which was occupied by an 11-year-old boy.Jackson-Redenius then allegedly pulled the boy into the bathroom area, shoved the child's head in a toilet, covered his mouth to prevent him from yelling and groped the still-clothed child while simulating sex with him.The boy managed to pull away and flee, calling for help.A guardian who appeared at video arraignment before Branch County District Judge Brent Weigle said Jackson-Redenius is with a caregiver 24 hours a day. On this occasion he was with a female at a public place so she could not enter the bathroom with him.Weigle told the guardian and caregivers he might consider a lower bond later but needed to protect the community. He set bond at $200,000 but asked the jail to take special precautions because of Jackson-Redenius’s limited mental capacity.A preliminary exam was scheduled for Oct. 22 on the life felony kidnapping, 15-year CSC second degree charge and five-year felony of assault with intent to commit a sex act.